IT Governance Suggests Improving Cyber Security Strategy in South Africa

IT Governance SA recommends that South African organisations improve their cyber security strategy in order to protect themselves from unwanted cyber attacks

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa - (EINPresswire via NewMediaWire) - February 3, 2014 - According to the 2013 Norton Report, there are more than 1 million victims of cyber crime every day worldwide. Cyber security is still virtually unheard of in South Africa and the country urgently needs a more robust cyber security framework as hackers become more sophisticated.

IT Governance SA, the global leader in information security and ISO27001 products and services recommends that South African organisations improve their cyber security strategy in order to protect themselves from unwanted cyber attacks. South Africa appears especially targeted: the US Federal Bureau of Investigations lists South Africa as the sixth most active country for cybercrime.

The SA Centre for Information Security (SACIS) states that local organisations should aim for a multidisciplinary cyber security approach, involving IT departments as well as financial, human resources and public relation departments.

The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI) was signed in November 2013 and regulates how companies that handle personal information keep that information confidential and secure. POPI is not in place yet but companies have been given a year to achieve compliance with the regulation. Any company that fails to comply with the Act will face possible prison terms and fines of up to R10 million.

IT Governance SA suggests South African organisations look towards cyber security solutions such as implementing ISO27001, the best practice specification that sets out requirements against which organisation’s information security management system can be audited and certified. IT Governance provides a range of books, tools and training to help organisations become ready for ISO27001 certification. For more information visit www.itgovernancesa.co.za/c-17-iso27001.aspx